The FBI took a Washington, D.C. city councilman into custody on Sunday, although the specifics remain unclear. City Council President Phil Mendelson confirmed that council member Trayon White Sr. was detained on Sunday afternoon. “I’ve spoken to a few people. He was arrested by the FBI around 2 o’clock,” Mendelson informed a WTTG reporter. “I’m eager to learn more details to understand the situation. You all know as much as I do.”
A news agency contacted the FBI’s Washington field office, but they declined to comment. White drew national attention in March 2018 when he suggested that Jewish financiers control the weather. His claim came as he filmed himself driving through Washington during a snowstorm, discussing “climate manipulation.”
“D.C. keeps talking about, ‘We’re a resilient city.’ That’s based on the Rothschilds controlling the climate to create natural disasters they can pay for to own the cities,” he said in the now-deleted video. “Be careful.” The Rothschilds, a European Jewish banking family descended from Mayer Amschel Rothschild, have long been targets of antisemitic conspiracy theories, including claims they control global financial institutions and manipulate events to their advantage.
FBI arrests DC councilman who in 2018 accused Jewish financiers of ‘climate manipulation’
Trayon White Sr Tweeted in 2013 saying he was “honored” to share a birthday with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhanhttps://t.co/MjjalxVgOE
— David L Wagner (@DavidLWagner4) August 19, 2024
White initially defended his remarks, stating, “The video says what it says,” but later apologised to the Jewish community. Additionally, in 2013, White tweeted at Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, expressing he was “honoured” to share a birthday with Farrakhan and admiring his “intelligence, will, & boldness.”
In 2018, White faced criticism after donating $500 to a Nation of Islam convention in Chicago where Farrakhan made disparaging comments about “powerful Jews.” “I am not resigning, I’m not backing down, I’m not discouraged, I’m not depressed, so run all the media stories you want because my people are going to support me,” White said in response to the backlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Trayon White Sr. arrested?
The circumstances surrounding Trayon White Sr.’s arrest are not yet clear.
Who confirmed the arrest of Trayon White Sr.?
City Council President Phil Mendelson confirmed the arrest.
What controversial claim did Trayon White Sr. make in 2018?
He suggested that Jewish financiers control the weather.
Did the FBI comment on Trayon White Sr.’s arrest?
No, the FBI Washington field office declined to comment.
What was Trayon White Sr.’s response to the backlash against his comments?
He initially defended his comments but later apologized to the Jewish community.